Earlier this morning Sue was talking about going home to her family. She told Annie, “I’m glad that I could help but I do miss my husband. I’ll be leaving early in the morning. Tonight we need to celebrate. Shall we invite the posse and go out to the casino?”
“That’s a great idea. Call everyone and then make dinner reservations.” Looking at the time, Annie rushed out the door and headed to work.
. . .
Annie went to the police station on her way home. “Julie, I want to see Lisa Romero a minute, okay?” Annie had to look this woman in the eye and ask her if it was all worth it.
“Go on back; you know the way. They’re all a in a meeting in Sam’s office so you won’t run into anyone.” Julie chuckled as Annie went down the hall.
“You! What do you want?” Lisa was sitting in the dingy old cell and glaring at Annie.
Annie suddenly felt compassion for this mother of two children. How would she ever face them again, after what she had done? “Why did you do it, Lisa? It was so cruel and heartless.” Annie stood looking through the bars at a broken woman.
“Oh, you think you’re so superior to everyone else. You have both a successful business and the chief of police. I have been losing money at my bakery and I wanted to destroy your happy little life.” Lisa got up and slowly walked over to stand a few inches away from Annie. “Guess I lose again. Brad and I would have been so great together.” Lisa no longer had her good looks and charming ways; this was a bitter unhappy woman.
. . .
Later that night Sam called. “Did you have fun at the casino?”
“How did you know where I was?” Annie laughed at Sam’s sweet tone. He was such a pussycat.
“Sue called me so I wouldn’t worry. She said that you and I could celebrate on our regular Friday night date. I’ll be getting the usual Jade Palace dinner unless you would rather eat out.”
“That’s perfect, Sam. I’ll be waiting.” Annie hung up without telling Sam about her visit to see Lisa. She wanted to forget about Brad and Lisa for now.
. . .
Sarah had a final meeting with Bill before leaving town. “I have enjoyed working with you. I wasn’t sure how everyone would react to my being here.” Gathering up her briefcase and putting on her jacket, Sarah lingered. “I couldn’t have been treated better. Thanks for calling me.” After giving Bill a quick hug, she left station.
Sarah called her sister as she was driving out of town. “Hi, Jen. We wrapped up the case and I’m on my way home. I know that I promised to see you again but I have a hot date this weekend so hope that you understand.”
“I’m delighted that you are dating. Keep me posted on you love life. Drive safe.”
Chapter 18
Sam showed up Friday night carrying several bags containing Jade Palace specialties. It was hard to believe that only a week ago when disaster had struck.
Annie gave Sam time to set everything on the kitchen table before she was in his arms. “Oh Sam, how I have missed being with you.”
“Same here, sweetheart.” Then Sam pulled away and started looking around. “She’s gone, right?”
“If you mean Sue, yes she left this morning.” Annie laughed, as Sam looked relieved.
“I didn’t see her vehicle in the driveway but then she could out running an errand.”
Annie started taking the cartons out of the bags. “You bought enough for the neighborhood. Shall I invite some friends over?”
“No. Definitely not. This is our night.” Sam got out the chopsticks and glasses for iced tea. They were soon dishing out the flavorful smelling Chinese food.
“I know it was only last week when we were sitting here stuffing ourselves. It’s good to have our lives back to normal, don’t you agree Sam?”
“You had a horrible week. I’m even going to let you pick out a chick flick for tonight.”
After putting away all the leftovers, they went to their usual spot on the sofa. Then Sam suddenly got up. “I almost forgot the fortune cookies.”
“I have all the good fortune I need Sam. Annie watched as Sam took out a small bag with one cookie. He had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes.
“Open it, Annie.” Sam stood nervously by the sofa and handed her the cookie.
Annie wasn’t sure what was so special about this one but she broke it open and pulled out the paper that read: Will you marry me? At that moment, Sam took a ring out of his pocket and waited anxiously.
Looking up at Sam, Annie shouted, “Yes!”
Dromar Cookies with Chocolate Frosting
1 C Butter softened
1 C Sugar
1 t Vanilla
2 C Flour
1 t Baking powder
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cream together butter, sugar and vanilla. Mix in flour and baking powder. Shape into walnut size balls. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet or on parchment paper covered cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown. Frost the cookies when they are cool.
Chocolate Frosting
1/3 C Butter softened
1/2 C Cocoa powder
4 C Powdered sugar
1/4 C Milk
1 t vanilla
Beat butter until fluffy and mix in cocoa and 2 cups of powdered sugar. Add in milk and vanilla with mixer on low speed. Then mix in the rest of the powdered sugar. Add in extra milk if it is needed for spreadable consistency.
Acknowledgements
I want to thank my family for their continued support and encouragement of my writing.
Welcome to Sweetwater (Annie Parker Mystery Shorts Box Set) Page 22